Articles tagged with Clinical Trials
Researchers found a high response rate of 56% and median survival of nearly 16 months for patients with metastatic melanoma treated with vemurafenib. This was higher than other therapies, with rapid responses and common toxic effects, but also potential resistance mechanisms under investigation.
Patients with kidney failure have relatively poor physical health. Frequent dialysis does not significantly improve their overall physical capacity compared to conventional dialysis, but it can provide improved quality of life.
A recent study published in the Journal of The National Cancer Institute suggests that estrogen alone may reduce breast cancer risk, whereas estrogen plus progestin can increase it. The findings are based on data from two randomized clinical trials conducted as part of the Women's Health Initiative.
A phase I clinical trial led by Ottawa researchers will test the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in treating septic shock. The study aims to evaluate the therapy's effects on up to 15 patients with septic shock, who will receive standard treatments plus a planned dose of MSCs.
A groundbreaking gene therapy trial for cystic fibrosis will begin in March, involving 130 adults and children with the disease. The trial aims to assess whether repeated doses of gene therapy can improve symptoms and lung function in patients.
A new international multi-site randomized study found that a catheter procedure to close a hole in patients' hearts was not more effective than medical therapy in preventing recurrent strokes. The study, led by Anthony Furlan, M.D., of University Hospitals Case Medical Center, enrolled 909 patients and showed no statistically significa...
A new endoscopic procedure, transgastric necrosectomy, has been shown to reduce major complications and death in patients with infected severe pancreatitis compared to traditional surgical methods. The study found that the procedure resulted in lower proinflammatory response and reduced rates of multiple organ failure.
The study demonstrated that XMetA markedly reduced elevated fasting blood glucose levels and normalized glucose tolerance in mice experimentally rendered diabetic. After six weeks of treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels in animals treated with XMetA compared to controls.
Therapeutic cancer vaccines are being evaluated in clinical trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors and small-molecule targeted therapies to overcome immunosuppressive entities. Patients with fewer chemotherapeutic regimens respond better to vaccines, indicating a shift towards combination therapies.
Researchers at UC San Diego found that epicatechin-enriched cocoa improved mitochondrial structure in patients with advanced heart failure and type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that treatment with epicatechin-rich cocoa may improve exercise capacity in these patients.
The 9th annual Seena Magowitz Celebrity Golf Classic raised funds for pancreatic cancer research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). The event supported new international clinical trials and initiatives against pancreatic cancer.
A new UK-based study will compare gastric bypass and stomach band surgeries to determine which is most effective in improving patients' quality of life and reducing healthcare costs. The BY-BAND study, led by the University of Bristol, aims to enroll over 700 participants and follow their outcomes for up to three years.
The Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) has updated recommendations for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), expanding its use to a larger group of patients with mild heart failure symptoms. CRT devices synchronize the left ventricle's contraction, improving efficiency and survival in moderate or severe heart failure patients.
A recent analysis of data from the National CT Colonography Trial confirms the efficacy of CT colonography as a front-line colorectal cancer screening tool for seniors. The study found that CT colonography accurately detects polyps and precancerous lesions in people aged 65 and older, comparable to standard colonoscopy.
The first clinical trial of a new vaccine for visceral leishmaniasis has begun, targeting the most deadly form of the disease. The Phase 1 trial will evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine in 36 adult volunteers in Washington State and India.
A comprehensive study published in PLOS Medicine found that high blood homocysteine levels are not linked to an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. The analysis of data from 19 unpublished and 86 published studies showed no significant effect on the risk of developing the condition.
A new study suggests that vitamin B and omega-3 supplementation may not prevent cancer recurrence after heart attack or stroke. Women receiving omega-3 supplements were found to have a higher risk of cancer compared to placebo groups.
A new clinical trial shows that high doses of 'load' through programmed electrical stimulation of the muscle significantly slows bone density loss in patients with spinal cord injury. Average bone density in the femur was almost 40% lower in patients who received low or no load compared to those who received high load.
Lung cancer patients face geographic challenges to access clinical trials due to molecular preselection. Researchers propose using online patient communities and innovative trial approaches to inform patients about trials, accelerate research, and address practical challenges in conducting personalized medicine trials.
A study published in JAMA found that treatment with amoxicillin for acute uncomplicated rhinosinusitis did not result in a significant difference in symptoms compared to placebo. Patients who received antibiotics reported similar improvements in quality of life and symptom relief, contradicting the common practice of prescribing antibi...
The European Society for Paediatric Oncology (SIOPE) is advocating for policy changes to address the negative impact of EU legislation on childhood cancer treatment. The current directive has increased bureaucracy and administration, making it time-consuming and expensive to conduct clinical trials.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a treatment that restores motor skills in lab models with Huntington disease by restoring normal levels of brain molecule GM1. The therapy has shown promise in improving cognitive symptoms as well, suggesting it could be effective for patients.
A new study suggests that induced labor may not lower the risk of infection or respiratory problems in newborns. The research indicates that expectant management, which involves close monitoring rather than inducing labor, is a safe alternative for women with preterm ruptured membranes.
A study found that pregnant women with a prior cesarean section often choose the delivery method preferred by their doctor, regardless of their own knowledge on the risks and benefits. The majority of these women opt for an elective repeat cesarean over a trial of labor, despite its higher success rate. Lack of education and provider p...
A new clinical trial demonstrates the effectiveness of adaptive radiotherapy in treating head and neck cancer, requiring only one or two replans to maintain treatment quality. The study found that ART keeps radiation tightly fitted to a patient's body, offering individualized treatment with minimal burden.
A recent study suggests that seasonal variations in the immune system may impact the effectiveness of a vaccine targeting type 1 diabetes. The vaccine, which uses the GAD65 antigen, showed promise in earlier trials but failed to demonstrate significant effects in its latest phase 3 trial. The study's authors propose that factors such a...
A new collection of articles in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases examines the use of genetically modified (GM) insects for controlling infectious diseases. The articles discuss technological advances, regulatory frameworks, and societal dialogue necessary for widespread application.
A new study found that the CAT questionnaire is a reliable tool for assessing COPD exacerbation severity, reflecting both exacerbation length and reduction in lung function. The CAT scores were also weakly related to systemic inflammatory markers and elevated in stable patients with a history of frequent exacerbations.
A new molecular test can predict the likelihood of death from early-stage lung cancer with greater accuracy than traditional methods. The test, which measures gene activity in cancerous tissue, has been shown to improve prognosis and guide treatment decisions for patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
A new study found Pycnogenol to improve skin hydration by 44 percent and increase collagen production, resulting in improved skin elasticity. The supplement also showed reduced skin fatigue and wrinkles, with increased skin smoothness.
The new guidelines provide a contemporary, evidence-based approach for investigators conducting randomised, controlled migraine clinical trials. Key findings include the importance of patient selection, trial design, and evaluation of results in both acute and preventive settings.
The APOLLO trial demonstrated improvements in cardiac function, blood flow into the heart muscle, and reduced scar formation in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The study found a 52% reduction in left ventricle infarcted area and significant improvement of perfusion defects in ADRC-treated patients.
A study of 100 intubated patients found no significant differences in pulmonary gas exchange, immunologic status, or coagulation status between fresh and standard-issue red blood cells. The findings challenge previous observational studies linking RBC storage duration to respiratory complications.
A phase II clinical trial demonstrated that rilonacept significantly reduced acute gout flares by 81% compared to a placebo. The treatment was found to be well-tolerated with no serious infections or adverse events reported.
Researchers found that IL-1 limits advanced atherosclerosis features linked to severe complications in humans. Genetic inactivation of IL-1 signaling enhances plaque instability and reduces outward vessel remodeling in mice with advanced atherosclerosis.
The study emphasizes the importance of disclosing site investigators' recruitment performance to ensure transparency in multicentre clinical trials. By publishing this information, sponsors can provide insights into potential issues affecting recruitment, enabling a better understanding of treatment outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials found no improvement in overall survival for adult patients with advanced follicular lymphoma who received high-dose chemotherapy and ASCT compared to conventional-dose chemotherapy alone. The study concluded that HDC-ASCT is not effective as a primary treatment option.
A recent JAMA commentary suggests vitamin B therapy can still lower stroke risk, particularly in patients with good renal function. However, the authors argue that clinical trials overlooked the role of vitamin B12 and renal failure, which can affect treatment efficacy.
The 'plasma brush' uses chemical reactions to disinfect and clean out cavities, forming a better bond for cavity fillings. This technology could reduce costs by 75% and increase the lifespan of fillings by 60%, benefiting patients and dentists.
The IASLC has set up a Strategic CT Screening Advisory Committee to define optimal approaches to lung cancer screening. The committee will focus on six key components, including identifying high-risk individuals and developing radiological guidelines for national screening programs.
Scientists at Lawson Research Institute are testing stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) to treat cancers that spread beyond the original tumor, offering new hope for survival. The COMET Trial aims to assess SABR's impact on patient survival, side effects, and quality of life.
A landmark study found that vaginal progesterone significantly reduced the rate of preterm birth by 42% and neonatal morbidity and mortality in women with a short cervix. The treatment also decreased respiratory distress syndrome and the need for mechanical ventilation.
A standard chemotherapy regimen has been shown to increase survival rates in patients with limited-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma. This finding is significant, as it may lead to reduced radiation exposure and lower risk of long-term complications.
Researchers evaluated the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea therapy in pediatric patients with SCD and found that continued use of hydroxyurea was associated with lower rates of pain crises, episodic transfusions, and hospital admissions. The studies also showed high acceptance rates for hydroxyurea among families of children with SCD.
A phase Ib/II clinical trial reveals that PCI-32765 is highly active and well-tolerated in 61 relapsed CLL patients, with 70% achieving complete or partial remission after 10 months of treatment. The agent targets Bruton's tyrosine kinase, a key protein for CLL-cell survival.
A Phase I/II clinical trial for patients with relapsed or resistant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) showed impressive potential for PCI-32765, a B cell receptor inhibitor, achieving durable remissions and minimal toxicity. The study demonstrated six-month progression-free survival of 90-92%.
Women who use breast-enhancing dietary supplements containing zearalenone (ZEN) may be increasing their risk of breast cancer. The review highlights concerns over ZEN's effects on the human reproductive system and breast cancer, as well as its links to premature puberty and infertility.
Whole-genome sequencing reveals activation of targets for new treatment strategies, including MEK/AKT inhibitors for metastatic triple negative breast cancers. The study's results indicate potential for improved treatment options for nearly 20% of breast cancers that do not respond to targeted therapies.
A German study found no improvement in disease-free survival among breast cancer patients treated with dose-dense chemotherapy and oral ibandronate. The results contradict previous studies, which showed benefits in postmenopausal patients receiving zoledronic acid or endocrine treatment.
A Wayne State University physician is working to develop an outcome measurement that accurately reflects Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease progression in children. She aims to identify quality-of-life measures that can track changes in scores over time, enabling the evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
A meta-analysis of 123 randomised trials involving 100,000 women with breast cancer shows that modern chemotherapy regimens reduce breast cancer mortality by around one-third compared to no chemotherapy. The findings suggest that standard 1980s chemotherapy regimens could produce a reduction of almost a quarter in breast cancer mortality.
A new study has identified the most effective ways to assess progression in Huntington's disease, which could speed up the development of disease-modifying drugs. The findings suggest that measures derived from brain imaging techniques are the most effective at detecting disease progression over time.
A new TB vaccine candidate has entered Phase I clinical trials in South Africa to assess its safety and immunogenicity in latently infected adults. The vaccine, SSI H56-IC31, has shown efficacy in pre-clinical studies and holds promise for preventing active TB disease in a vast population.
The study reveals co-activating events in the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, leading to targeted treatments with significant patient benefits. Physicians steered patients into tailored treatment plans based on sequencing data, resulting in improved outcomes.
The 'Seena I' clinical trial aims to find a cure for pancreatic cancer by attacking all components of the tumor. The trials are supervised by the Pancreatic Cancer Research Team and involve four clinical sites across the nation.
The Einstein-Montefiore site is one of only 25 federally-funded centers in the country, facilitating Phase II clinical trials for rare neurological diseases. The center aims to streamline logistics and provide research expertise, reducing study initiation time from years to months.
A University of Michigan pilot study found that identifying a patient's mutational landscape can match them with existing clinical trials based on biomarkers. The study aimed to overcome practical challenges in sequencing genetic material from advanced or treatment-resistant cancer patients.
A recent trial shows cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing functional disability and depressive symptoms in adolescents with juvenile fibromyalgia. The study also found CBT to be safe and superior to disease management education, improving daily functioning and overall wellbeing.
Long-term follow-up of statin trial shows benefits persisted after treatment cessation, with no increase in cancer incidence or non-vascular mortality. Statins are deemed safe for long-term use in reducing vascular disease risk.
A phase 2 trial of the novel drug dexpramipexole showed it can slow symptom progression and reduce mortality in ALS patients. The study found a significant dose-dependent effect, with slower disease progression and reduced risk of death at higher dosages.